Back at the start of the twentieth century, it was unusual to have a oarsman who raced at the highest level of sculling and rowing. Our Percy Ivens was one of these top quality and skilled athletes. Furthermore, he undertook the arduous task of Club Treasurer whilst actively rowing. He was a great Mercantile member.

1901 – Interstate Men’s Eight Championship bow – First
1902 – Interstate Men’s Eight Championships bow – First
1903 – Interstate Men’s Sculling Championship – Second
1904 – Interstate Men’s Sculling Championship – Third
1905 – Interstate Men’s Sculling Championship – Third
1906 – Interstate Men’s Sculling Championship – First
1907 – Interstate Men’s Sculling Championship – First
1908 – Interstate Sculling Championship (selected but did not compete – was unwell on day.)
1910 – Interstate Men’s Sculling Championship – Second
1902-10 – Treasurer of his Club

The 1947-48 Mercantile Rowing Club annual report noted:

It is with the deepest of regret that we record the passing of one of our Life Members, Mr P C Ivens, at the age of 78 years. In the list of great oarsmen produced in this State, Mr Ivens will for all time possess an honoured place. His list of successes in this sport is truly remarkable. ….. As well as his rowing ability, Mr Ivens rendered sterling service to the Club in his capacity as Honorary Treasurer. …. Victorian rowing is the poorer for his passing.

The following articles appeared in the Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW: 1898 – 1954), Saturday 20 September 1947, page 4.

LATE MR. P. C. IVENS

REMARKABLE RECORD AS OARSMAN.

The late Mr. Percy Charles Ivens, of High St., Taree, whose death was reported in last Wednesday’s issue of the вЂTimes,’ was one of the most versatile oarsmen Australia has ever had. Mr. Ivens was a champion in the early days of this century, and was one of the very few who have won State titles in sculls, pairs, fours and eights. He had four Australian title wins and 14 Victorian successes to his credit.

His most notable achievement was his success in the Victorian State champion sculls from the 1901-2 season to 1907-8, and he won this title again in the 1909-10 season. The late Mr. Ivens, a fortnight before his death, returned to Taree from a holiday in Melbourne, and the ‘Melbourne Sun’ in its issue of July 30, had the following: “P. C.’ Ivens, whose records in Australian and Victorian sculling championships between 1901 and 1910 remain unsurpassed, was afloat on the Yarra again during the week-end. Many years from the sport may have sapped his strength, but he still shows the style of a master. On the Henley course in choppy conditions, he ‘skimmed the dish’ with greater ease than the majority of scullers seen in recent years.’ When in his prime as a sculler, the ‘Sydney Bulletin’ referred to Mr. Ivens as a wonder and a phenomenon, and the boss sculler of Victoria. Mr. Ivens for eight years was hon. treasurer of the Mercantile Rowing Club, Melbourne.